'Erap's 2010 bid depends on result of comeback movie'

ALAMINOS CITY, Philippines – Former President Joseph Estrada yesterday said he would gauge his 2010 presidential bid on the results of his comeback movie and at the same time, use his movie’s box-office earnings for his campaign.

Estrada, set to star in the Star Cinema movie “Ang Tanging Ama Nyong Lahat”, said the success of his movie comeback would be his gauge for his next political battle.

Estrada likewise said he would derive his campaign funds from his talent fee and earnings from the movie.

“I need campaign funds,” Estrada said.

He said he is 90 percent sure to run as president again if the opposition does not unite.

Estrada said he doesn’t want a repeat of the 2004 elections where his bosom friend, Philippine movie action king Fernando Poe Jr., lost because other opposition bets also ran. Poe was also allegedly cheated because of vote manipulation.

Estrada will start shooting his movie with leading comedienne Ai-Ai de las Alas next month.

He said he was still considering if he would agree to a kissing scene with Ai-Ai, although he admitted to local newsmen here that he was excited about a possible kissing scene with Ai-Ai.

“Ai-Ai wants us to kiss 10 times,” Estrada said, laughing.

“It depends on the pay,” Estrada joked when asked if he would agree to this.

Estrada has had a colorful life and was romantically linked to some of his leading ladies.

The movie, inspired by the blockbuster success of Ai-Ai’s film “Ang Tanging Ina Nyong Lahat” in last year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, will be shown in December 2009 at the annual MMFF.

In his speech here, Estrada paid tribute to ordinary people who have watched his films and continue to patronize his movies.

Estrada was thankful to the Pangasinan folk for their warm reception, braving the rains just to see him here and in other parts of western Pangasinan.

“In life or in death, Erap could never pay his debt of gratitude to the poor people,” he said.

He added that he is devoting his remaining years as a senior citizen for the people and vowed to finish his term as president of the country. – With Jose Rodel Clapano